Mazda 6 vs Mazda Mx-5 sport: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Mazda 6
75%
MOT pass rate · 159,403 vehicles
Mazda Mx-5 sport
85%
MOT pass rate · 274 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Mazda Mx-5 sport is the more reliable of the two — 85% pass first time versus 75%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Mazda 6 | Mazda Mx-5 sport |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% | 85% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 25% | 15% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.9 | 0.1 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 1% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 113,866 mi | 70,562 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 159,403 | 274 |
Most common faults
Mazda 6
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
Mazda Mx-5 sport
- Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)
- Rear brake disc slightly pitted (3.5.1h)
- Offside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)
- Headlamp aim too low (1.8)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Mazda Mx-5 sport is the more reliable of the two — 85% pass first time versus 75%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Mazda 6 report Full Mazda Mx-5 sport report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.